Why ran the race?

What motivates one to run for political office? Is it pride, the perks of the position or service? 

Can one not serve without having to ran for office and spend so much to the point of wanting to earn at least two times over to make up for all the hardship and expense?

To take on a political position anywhere in the world would entail a campaign that requires expense. This is not only in the Philippines. Although the numerous aspirants for the highest positions in the land is remarkable and is characteristic of the political climate in the country.

To run for public office requires a lot of sacrifice actually, that is why there are those who have a heart for service that opt for other options to help rather than politics.

As said, the office is public, thus one exposes one’s life to public scrutiny. It is no longer a selective Facebook post that will announce your life. But there will be varying views on how you are, your privacy will be invaded, your resources will be scrutinized, and no matter how clean you strive to be someone will still throw a stone at you.

So why run for public office?  Here are some of the responses I got from some of the politicians I had the opportunity to speak with. I have tried to capture the essence of their intentions.

There are those who get into politics because of family pressure. They are next in line.  Grandpa and Dad have done it, and at a certain point Mom, so why not the next hijo? So the son joins albeit reluctantly in the beginning, and then enjoys the dynamism of the office, and even develops a heart for the people and a cause. And if fortunate, the power that goes with the position does not take away the grounding, though most often, when it is a dynasty, there is that sense of entitlement that takes a conscious effort to eradicate. 

If the politician is wise, and sincere, he can work with the right focus, otherwise, it will just be a ride until the next election.

For others it is simply ego. The need to be in a position of power. The need to be known.  There is that illusion when one still a bystander that there is a lot of money in public office. And that is when things go wrong. There will be money if you make money out of others. But there is really no money. Just the freedom to spend what is budgeted for projects that your constituents need. Or to your favor if you want, like roads leading to your property. But if that is all that you are after, you will realize at the end of the day, it is not worth three or so years of pressure.

Some get into politics because there is a certain discontent. A prodding and unresolved issue. This is what usually triggers the party list or a councilor; people in the legislative office who want to make laws for change and development, or an executive position that wants to effect progress. 

Some do it because they feel they have something to give, to share. Whether it be an expertise or a way of doing things. Systems that help improve the management of government. 

“If you are in government, you can effect changes utilizing the human resources that are made available to you,” one politician said.

“We really need to change the old practices and move into new thinking. We need to influence the mindset of the traditional politicians, slowly push, and adjust without compromising your core,” he added. 

“Old families get absorbed with their own parochial style of leadership. We need change, new, good leaders,” he concluded.

For most, it is best not to lose focus on the real objective of joining politics. And hopefully that should be favorable to improving the conditions of the country and the people.  For I would like to believe that today’s Filipino is better informed, better empowered, and more discerning.

It is my prayer then, that those who make it through the race have centered their intentions on the purpose of God for leadership. That way, they will be sure to complete the race.